CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was recently announced that the Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues Festival has moved locations to the NC Music Factory for the event’s 9th year. The Charlotte Sports Commission’s Hog Jog has “piggy-backed” that move and will also begin and end at the NC Music Factory on Saturday, September 10th.

“We were excited to hear about the location change for this year’s Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues. Hog Jog participants will now experience an exciting and challenging new course, while still enjoying the traditional components such as the Piglet Fun Run and Finlandia Bloody Mary contest we have all grown to enjoy,” said Jeff Beaver – Executive Director of the Charlotte Sports Commission. “We are fortunate for our great partnership with Center City Partners to keep us involved with BBQ & Blues over the last 4 years.”

In addition to the change in location, numerous new components will be included in this year’s race. The Hog Jog will extend in length to a 10K while partnering with a 5K, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run, to keep the 3.1 mile component as well.

The overall male, female and “squealchair” winners of the Hog Jog will receive a prize pack worth $450 dollars including $300 cash, a pair of adidas sneakers and a gift certificate from Dick’s Sporting Goods. As is tradition, the first 200 runners who sign up for the Hog Jog 10K & Finlandia Bloody Mary contest will participate in a tasting competition between 5 local bars and restaurants. The post-race Piglet Fun Run will take place at approximately 9:30am and include mascot appearances from Chubby, Norm the 49er, Lug Nut, Monkey Joe, Rex and Bruggie.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers began in New York City in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001 to honor firefighter Stephen Siller who ran eight miles in full gear from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers that morning. For the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, race managers and the Stephen Siller Foundation decided to extend the race to take place in numerous cities across the U.S., one of them being Charlotte.

To register for the Hog Jog 10K ($30 in advance, $35 day-of), the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run ($25) or the Piglet Fun Run (free), visit: www.hogjog.org